Skip to main content

Photographing Backyard Wildlife

Red-Eyed Tree Frog - Costa Rica
Taken with tripod, cable release and head lamps ( more easily found at night)
Canon 100mm macro lens

Ah, the challenges of photographing wildlife.  There are times we have taken photo workshop adventures, or gone somewhere with the sole intent of taking beautiful and interesting photographs.  For planned trips we always have a tripod, cable release, and  time to set up our shots. 
Poison-dart Frog (Mr. Bluejeans) - Costa Rica
Tripod, cable release, off-camera flash, 100mm macro lens

But when not on an excursion, we do find the backyard an excellent spot to view wildlife, and grab some unexpected shots.    For instance, this year we had a Killdeer nest in the middle of our yard.  She was undisturbed enough to lay 4 beautiful eggs, and hatch 3 fluffy chicks.  The nest was rather far away and we didn't want to disturb her, so the shots from our dining room window didn't turn out to be anywhere near excellent shots - but a record shot of extraordinary events is just fine with me! 
Killdeer eggs
Hand-held, ISO 100, 24-70mm zoom lens, Program mode
Killdeer and Chicks
Tripod, ISO 400 to help stop movement, 70-200mm lens, Program mode

The bird feeders attract an assortment of birds, as I've written about before.  But they also attract the ground squirrels and rabbits.  Again, the dining room window is our perfect viewing area.
Mother Sparrow feeds her hungry brood.
Tripod used, and Canon 70-200 zoom lens.
Caught in the act, this rabbit had been gorging on bird seed from under the feeder.
Hand-held shot, 70-200mm lens, ISO 400 to help freeze motion.

And this year, the most unexpected backyard experience occurred at the feeders again.  Walking to the kitchen to refill my ice tea glass I happened to glance outside that favorite dining room window and to my surprise was met with my favorite grab-shot of the summer.   How can you beat this for unexpected finds?
White-tailed deer
Hand-held, ISO 400, 100mm lens, Program mode

Don't you just love surprises?  Have you had any unexpected finds lately?
Labels:

Comments

Scott Law said…
You did get some nice surprises and that is a beautiful little deer.
June 24, 2012 at 6:06 PM
S. Etole said…
What fun window views. I've seen an Indigo Bunting a couple of times but never long enough to photograph. Just their brilliant color makes my day though.
June 24, 2012 at 8:54 PM
joyce said…
I don't know what a cable release is, nor do I understand how to use ISO speeds, and I know I would not want to step on one of those frogs at night, but those speckled eggs are more special than any Easter egg..but the deer at the feeder made me laugh out loud!
June 26, 2012 at 10:53 PM
Sandy K. said…
The colors of nature are wonderful, don't you think? And Joyce, it doesn't matter what camera you use, or lens, it's appreciation for the site before you:). Yes...laugh-out-loud funny is a good thing!
July 4, 2012 at 8:53 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

100 Blessings

It's funny how a project takes on a life of its own. I started out making a list of things I'd like to take pictures of - piles of M&M's, rocks on the beach, license plates hanging on an old garage door. Then I decided it would be interesting to find 100 items about "me," celebrating my 100th post with items about me/my life/etc. This way I could tie my compulsion to blog in to my theme. So, I started THAT list. And when I was done I decided all the things I was collecting, ideas as well as items, were actually blessings. Things about my life that make me who I am and allow me to keep striving to be the best I can be at what I do. Each activity isn't necessarily a blessing, it's my ability to do the things I love to do, and be with the people I love to be with. This became an introspective activity, and that's probably where I am in my life right now. If the shoe fits..., so to speak. So, welcome to my 100th Post ! Without everyone I've met thr...
23 comments
Read more

Celebrating 100 Posts - A Challenge

Yes, we are closing in on our 100th post . Truly amazing. Thank you for reading and participating, helping keep the ideas, words and photos flowing. In honor of this momentous occasion, let's have a party. A party where "100" is featured. Do not become concerned if an idea doesn't pop into your head right away. You have one week to come up with something which includes 100 . Think party, celebration and fun. Think creatively. Think challenge. Photography is about expressing yourself, and challenging yourself. Here's a real stretcher! Celebrate with us by posting a photo (or series) which depicts the number 100 in some way. Let me know if you're going to participate and I'll create a way for everyone to link to each other's pages - chuckling, laughing, crying and surprising. You'll be amazed what you see when you start looking. Still at a loss? Here is a non-exhaustive look at the number 100: 100 years ago (something nostalgic- there's wigg...
15 comments
Read more

Adventure Spots - Ours and Yours

It's June. Officially a summer month, and one I have always loved. It's also a time when I start thinking about having an adventure...to some beautiful, place more distant than my town. Last summer we had a wonderous trip through the western national parks, and spent a little time on the Oregon coast. The Columbia River gorge is beautiful - lush and exotic, fragrant, and heady with motion and sound. The waterfalls are astounding - and we love Multomah falls particularly. There's an upper and lower falls, with hiking paths for those who want to get up close and personal. The regular tourist path is paved, and leads you to this footbridge, spanning the cliff walls between upper and lower falls. Stunning. Where is one of your favorite adventure spots, and why does it touch your soul?
13 comments
Read more